"The horse just doesn't want to eat. I think he's just old."

That's not a valid excuse, nor is, "I just ran out of money," "I think the horse is sick," "I don't own the horse. It belongs to my son." There is never a valid excuse for abusing a horse. Never.

If the owner needs help, we will do everything we can to help. Sometimes a case of starvation, for instance, is caused by a lack of knowledge about dental care. Admitedly, if a horse is losing weight, common sense says to pick up the phone and call a vet. We'll suggest that the owner do just that, set a time limit, and come back to see if they took the proper action. If it is a case of outright abuse and neglect, we will do everything we can to have the animal removed.

Abuse and Neglect in Texas
According to the Texas Penal Code Ann. § 42.09 (Vernon 2002), Cruelty to Animals, the following is considered cruel or inhumane treatment of animals and warrants investigation, seizure, and filing of charges:

- torturing an animal
- seriously overworking an animal
- failure to provide necessary food, care, or shelter for an animal
- abandonment of an animal
- killing, injuring, or administering poison to an animal
- causing animals to fight
- using live animals as a lure in dog racing
- horse tripping

Also read "What exactly is abuse?"

Reporting Abuse/Neglect
If you believe you know of horses or other equines who are being abused or neglected, please complete our Equine Cruelty Form and forward it to our Equine Cruelty Investigation Coordinator. We will take the appropriate steps to investigate the claim.

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